Farm Environment Plan update

By 1 May 2021, commercial vegetable growers and those who grow annual crops are required to submit a Farm Environment Plan (FEP) to Gisborne District Council (GDC).

By Ailsa Robertson

GDC’s definitions of ‘commercial vegetable growing’ and ‘cropping’ are in the Tairāwhiti Resource Management Plan (TRMP). ‘Cropping’ includes seed crops, but does not include perennial crops or orchard operations. See HortNZ’s Gisborne FEP webpage for the definitions and more information.

In late February, GDC formally recognised the New Zealand Good Agricultural Practice (NZGAP) Environment Management System (EMS) add-on as an acceptable pathway for growers to meet their FEP requirements in the TRMP, Appendix H20. HortNZ’s environmental policy team and NZGAP are working with GDC on the details of this agreed approach. The EMS add-on, available to all NZGAP certified growers, includes an FEP template and an audit checklist. Growers using the EMS add-on will be independently audited and can attain NZGAP certification for this add-on based on the audit outcome. Other resources on the NZGAP website include environmental Codes of Practice and regional guides, like the one for Gisborne (Tairāwhiti). HortNZ and Vegetables New Zealand Incorporated (VNZI) have supported vegetable growers in Levin through the Farm Environment Plan process before, through technical workshops, and linking growers to experienced horticulture consultants. Both organisations are confident that their efforts in Gisborne will pay off for growers. Especially those who actively engage in the process and take ownership of their FEP and Action Plan.

Both organisations are confident that their efforts in Gisborne will pay off for growers. Especially those who actively engage in the process and take ownership of their FEP and Action Plan.

As early as April 2021, the New Zealand government will release draft national regulations for Freshwater Farm Plans (also known as Farm Environment Plans). These mandatory and enforceable FEPs will apply to all horticulture operations that are five hectares or above. The regulation will include details such as where and when FEPs are required, who can audit and certify FEPs, and the content of those plans. HortNZ will lead the industry-wide submission, and provide opportunities for growers and affiliated organisations to have their say on the draft regulations.

HortNZ will lead the industrywide submission, and provide opportunities for growers and affiliated organisations to have their say on the draft regulations.

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